How do real estate agents feel about houses with radon abatement systems?

Does it make the house seem less appealing? More appealing? Does it depend on the buyer? We're worried if we buy a place and have to put in an abatement system that it will decrease the property value. A friend who lives in VA said her agent looked at them as a plus.

In Kansas about 25% of homes have Radon levels that need abatement. Current Builder Code requires that builders install the ventilation system that can take care of this. If Radon is ever found it is a fairly simple procedure to install the fan that will activate the system. Since Radon is considered the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, most people will feel much more comfortable with a home that has
a Radon abatement system already in place. I doubt that it will affect the market value one way or another but it should make buyers consider yours over another home that doesn't have a system. For more information you can go to http://www.Radon.com
Even with a system in place it's a good idea to re-test occasionally. It's simple and can be inexpensive.
Home Inspectors can be very expensive for this testing. You can pick up a Radon test kit at http://www.Radon.com or from your local County Extension office. They're easy to do and great for your peace of mind.
Best of luck to you!
Rebecca

Adding a radon abatement system, in my opinion, does not change the value of your home one way or the other. Every home has radon gas in it. You breathe in small amounts of radon gas outside too. Having the system in place is just a way of alleviating the concerns some people will have about radon. I installed one in my home without giving much thought to value. I just wanted my home to be as safe as possible. I also installed a CO2 detector as another safe guard. Do what makes you comfortable in your home so you can enjoy your family and relax, stop worrying, and enjoy life!!!!!!

Hi K, I agree with all that have written before, do not look at it as a negative. Radon is a fact of life in many areas of the country, in particular, here in much of New Jersey and most certainly the area of my focus. Routinely in working with buyers, I proactively raise the topic of radon and point out a system I see in home if it exists, so that I can discuss the matter and the benefits of the system being there. Doing this lessens the possibiity of a high radon test at inspection derailing a deal. If radon levels are high then it is raised as a matter for the seller to remediate. Once done, it is retested and a good system will then manage the situation going forward. Since radon gas comes and goes, I tell my buyers they can consider it a blessing if a test comes back high. That way we can have it addressed and they will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that the basement space is safe.

I definitely do not see it as a negative. In fact, many builders are installing the systems (which is a fan that vents to the outside) automatically in their homes. If radon and its remedies are properly explained to the buyer, it should not be an issue. Most people don't have radon testing done, so in this case, I see it as an advantage that you will have had it done already and will take care of it from the start. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Good luck to you!

So do I (look at them as a plus). Not only are fears about radon levels put to rest, but they often improve the general air quality/ventilation in basements people spend time in. (And as many families turn basements into rec rooms or play space, very often those people are kids.)